Trucking Careers of America

Why You Should Attend The Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

2012-02-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

James S. McCormack

The Second Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention
"United We Stand, The Circle Of Trust"

This past October I had the pleasure of addressing the attendees of the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention, a one-day event held in Tunica, Mississippi at the Gold Strike Resort. I also had the opportunity to finally meet two uniquely dedicated, committed and highly regarded individuals that I had only previously talked with via phone and e-mail over the previous 12 months .... Allen and Donna Smith, of Truth About Trucking LLC and AskTheTrucker.com, the forces behind this first of what many hoped would be an annual event.

This one-of-a-kind Convention was first and foremost to honor and show appreciation to the professional CDL driver. This was a time for truck drivers, and a time for those who have dedicated their support for them. This was a time to share a full day and evening of valuable information, fine dining, entertainment, camaraderie and networking. And very importantly, this was a time and opportunity for everyone to be truly aware of the power and impact of social media, and how to use social media to strengthen our community, remain informed and allow your voice to be heard.

Join The Efforts To Raise The
Standards Of The Trucking Industry

On October 26th, 27th and 28th, 2012, the Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention will take place at Harrah's Hotel and Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

It's an opportunity for anyone in the trucking industry; professional drivers, company representatives, aspiring drivers, vendors, and the general public to increase their knowledge base with insightful and credible information, and benefit from having access to some of the finest trucking-related products, services and literature. It's an opportunity to be a part of the efforts to help Raise The Standards Of The Trucking Industry.

It's an opportunity to address industry issues of concern, network together, build personal and business relationships, and create a trusted community.

This is an event where you can unite, pay tribute, recognize, and share ideas and solutions for the issues affecting professional drivers and the U.S. trucking industry.

This is an event where the driver and those concerned will have center stage and will be heard as the force that keeps America moving.

This is an event where everyone can learn how to use the power of social media to remain informed, to let your voice be heard by many, to communicate your thoughts and ideas more effectively, and to strengthen our resolve for the betterment of our country's otr truckers. Some of the topics being covered this year are:

Trucking Employment Law
Truck Driver Health and Regulations
Understanding Federal Regulations
CDL Training, Driver Retention, and the Truck Driver Shortage
Social Media - Reaching Multitudes with your Message

Be a part of the only Trucking Social Media event in the country on October 26th, 27th and 28th at Harrah's in Kansas City, Missouri. Sign up for the most recent convention updates and begin making your arrangements to attend. Become a part of Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry in the Circle of Trust.

Portions of this article have been taken from Trucking Social Media, by Allen and Donna Smith.

Great Lakes Truck Driving School Empowers Students With The Foundation For Success

2012-02-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

"Our Success Is Measured in Direct Proportion
to the Success of Our Students"

Among the CDL Class A driver training schools across the U.S. that we are proud to be associated with, we are especially pleased to feature Great Lakes Truck Driving School. Their goal is to provide quality instructional programs in a student-centered culture built on respect, encouragement, and continuous support, while empowering students with the foundation for a lifetime of success.

Great Lakes Truck Driving School provides a full CDL Class A training program which includes classroom instruction, driving range and road training, designed for individuals who have no previous tractor trailer experience. Training prepares students for the CDL Skills Test and entry-level employment as a tractor-trailer driver.

Located in Columbia Station Ohio, its state-of-the-art training facility is one of the few training facilities in the nation to offer courses in professional driving, heavy equipment operations, and oil & gas industry training - all in one location.

Great Lakes has the distinction of being a nationally accredited, Veterans Approved training institution. Since its opening in July 2008, the school has more than doubled the student training areas, added a heavy equipment division, added 30 employees, and received multiple awards for excellence, including the 2009 Economic Development Achievement Award. In 2010, Owner and School Director Doris Young was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration's Cleveland District Office.

GL has successfully trained and placed more than 1,000 graduates in careers as professional drivers and heavy equipment operators, and has also provided customized training programs for more than 30 companies. In addition to its CDL and NCCER Approved Heavy Equipment training programs, HSE RIG PASS/SafeLand USA Certifications are now available to prepare drivers and equipment operators for work on Oil Field Sites.

Situated on a 10.7 acre training site, the land has been developed to include:

a shifting track
an area for CDL maneuvers and perfecting of skills
work zone for the heavy equipment division
9,000 square foot building which houses classrooms, offices and student break area
lodging facilities for students traveling long distances

Much of the school's success has been due to its focus on innovative approaches to training and a high priority on student services, especially graduate placement. Great Lakes works with over 60 employers and has placed graduates at hundreds of different companies. The Placement Assistant Department provides graduates with lifetime job placement assistance, including:

placement activities beginning the first week of training
in-class presentations on interviewing, hiring criteria, filling out applications
scheduling of multiple recruiters from hiring companies
one-on-one presentations and interviews between hiring companies and students
employment workshops
free job fairs held on the school's property for current students and graduates
on-line job board

Great Lakes Truck Driving School offers affordable tuition and various forms of financing options. In October of 2011, the school hosted a free Veterans Educational Benefits seminar which informed attendees of the educational benefits available to help them transition into stable, well paying careers. The sessions covered the Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and the new Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill changes, which provides many new educational opportunities for active duty, veteran, national Guard and reserve servicemen and women.

A 9 minute informational video is available at the school's website and the school can also be found on Facebook.

The ABC's of Getting Your CDL Class A License

2012-02-01T11:51:00.003-05:00

You've Made Your Career Decision
You Want To Be An Over The Road Driver
You Need To Get Your CDL Class A License
What Is The Next Step?

James S. McCormack
Co-Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

You cannot drive for a trucking company without first getting your CDL license, and here we are talking about a CDL Class A license to drive tractor trailers over the road. You must have graduated either from an independent school or from a company sponsored cdl training program.

First and foremost, there are several requirements that must be met for you to get your CDL Class A License:

you must have a valid driver's license from the state in which you currently reside
you must be at least 21 years of age
you must be in good health
you must speak, write and understand English well enough to communicate with others

Next, go to your local Motor Vehicle Bureau and get a copy of your MVR and a copy of the CDL manual. Make sure your MVR is accurate and doesn't have anything negative that would prevent you from being accepted into training or being hired after graduation. If you have a criminal record and depending on the type of crime, you may be ineligible for employment in the trucking industry. Get a head start on learning the manual and get your CDL Permit at your local Motor Vehicle Bureau before you attend training. For a CDL Permit for a CDL Class A license you will need to take:

a general knowledge test
a combination test
air-brake test

There are (2) reasons for this: (1) having your CDL Permit beforehand shortens your training time by as much as one week (which translates to earning an income earlier), and (2) this is a good approach if you are an individual who quakes or freezes at taking a written test. Get it out of the way right up front. You will be more comfortable when you take the test again during training, be issued a CDL Permit from that state, and exchange it for one in your state when you complete training.

You may find that you will be completing multiple applications so make a list of your work history for the past 10 years. Trucking companies are required by law to view an applicant's job history over a 10 year period, so have this information ready. You will need this information for truck driving schools as well. Be sure and include your superior's name(s) and contact phone numbers.

The next step is critical: learn and understand the differences between company sponsored/paid cdl training and a cdl training program through a community college, technical school or college or a private school. There are pros and cons with each and it's important to fully understand the differences and how it affects your job search and career after graduation. Federal or state grant money is often available if you attend an independent school.

Begin by researching the recommended driver training schools in your area and contact the ones of interest. It's always preferable to attending a cdl training school if the finances are available to you. Find out about:

in-house financing and at what interest rate
federal or state grant qualified
in-house job placement
how long their training program lasts (the average is about 3 weeks)
the cost

Compare this information to what is available through a company sponsored or paid cdl training program. There are not many companies offering this but there are a few and it's important to be careful on your selection. Again, there are pros and cons ....

Once you've decided on where to go, submit your application(s). You may submit your application to more than one entity. Once you are accepted, your trainers will help you study for the tests that you are required to take.

Be sure to attend all of the required classroom time because this is where you will learn about trucking laws, safety and log books. Don't miss the range labs, driving times and street driving times as this is critical to learning how to maneuver the tractor trailer. You will also learn the route you will take on your final driving exam.

You will be given a final written test, a skills test and a road test, so study as much as you can for your final exam. You will be required to know how to complete an inspection of the truck prior to driving, and be able to execute basic skills such as backing and parking. You will take a road test to ensure you know how to safely drive on public roads.

Once you have successfully completed all the tests you will be given a sealed packet to take to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get your new license.

The trucking industry is always evolving and it's important to stay current with the regulations in place, and also to be informed about pending regulations and laws affecting the trucking industry. You are now on your way to enjoying a new career as a professional tractor trailer driver.

Good luck and safe driving !

No Shortage of Truck Driving Jobs for Trainco Truck Driving School Graduates

2012-01-24T10:29:00.001-05:00

"A CDL License Is A Diploma For The Working Person ..."

If you live in Michigan or Ohio, and you are looking for the right truck driving school to get your CDL Class A License, one of Trainco's schools is the school for you.

With five locations across Southern Michigan and Northwest Ohio, Trainco has just moved the Logan Square facility in South Lansing to larger facilities at 2200 South Washington Avenue. This relocation is part of their expansion program to fill more jobs in the region.

Every Trainco graduate is well-trained and highly qualified; at Trucking Careers of America we have placed more than 150 Trainco graduates with great companies and not one graduate has been sent home because they lacked critical skills.

In February 2009, Trainco and Owens Community College announced a partnership which afforded area residents the opportunity to receive five college technical credits while enrolled in Trainco Professional Truck Driving Schools and Career Centers. Students pursuing their commercial driver's license (CDL) apply the educational training and experience toward an associate's degree in Owens' Technical Studies or a related field.

No Shortage Of Jobs For Trainco Graduates ....

There is no shortage of jobs for Trainco's graduates. The school's required annual Student Training Report for the Department of State shows that most are working in the field within 90 days of graduation.

"Our job placement record after they finish is nearly perfect. We were at 93% last year, even in this region's challenging economy" says Lansing Campus Manager Randy Turco. He adds, "As with all Trainco Schools if we find a student having difficulty during their training or in making the grade with the CDL road exam at first pass, we're always willing to give them that little extra (at no additional charge) to get them ready. Every person learns at a different pace and we're here to help."

Regulated and certified by the Ohio Trucking Association, Trainco's complete tractor-trailer program prepares student for their CDL driving exam and provides a first-rate entry to the trucking industry. Students are trained with full-size, Class A tractor-trailer combinations. Trainco tractors, in cab-over and conventional styles, primarily utilize 9- and 10- speed transmissions. Trainco also has super-10 and automatic transmissions in the fleet, hauling 48- and 53-foot vans.

Great News for Military Men and Women
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

Beginning this past October of 2011, fully paid CDL training for military men and women became available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Revised by the Veteran's Administration, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides full training funds for those military men and women who have served three years or more. What this means is:

the entire cdl driver training at several of Trainco's facilities is paid for
additional costs, such as short-term housing, gas/food allowance, etc., may be partially or even fully covered

A huge benefit is that veterans interested in an otr truck driving career can attend an independent truck driving school with their cdl training course fully funded, unlike a trucking company paid cdl training program which carries with it contractual obligations and restrictions.

To learn what funding assistance may be available to you give Trainco Truck Driving School a call at 419-837-5730 or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application. Trainco will fill you in on their numerous training options and campuses, get you settled into their outstanding housing facilities for those involved in "Train and Stay" programs and put you on the road to your new career in next to no time.

Trainco also works closely with numerous and varied grant programs to help those students with financial needs, and has excellent partnerships with several banks and credit unions willing to write low-interest loans.

How To Get An OTR Driving Job With Only Have Six Months OTR Experience - Do You Really Need A Refresher Course?

2012-01-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

Been Off The Road For Awhile and
You Were Told That You Need To Take

A CDL Class A Refresher Course or
The Full CDL Training Program?

Probably Not ....

We frequently talk with otr truckers who have not been on the road for awhile. They still have their CDL Class A license but for one reason or another, have not been driving otr consistently. There are many reasons ... the company they previously worked for may have gone out of business, or maybe they were laid off due to a cutback. Maybe there was a family illness. Whatever the reason, they can't find a driving job because they haven't been driving regularly.

They were told by numerous company recruiters that in order to get an ort driving job they would either have to take a CDL Refresher Course or start all over again by taking the full CDL Class A course. Here is the breakdown:

The CDL Refresher Course - Typically 40 Hours:

Fewer and fewer trucking companies are offering refresher courses, and those that do offer the course charge in the area of $500 - $1000. As a general rule, a driver does not have to sign an employment contract when taking the refresher course through a trucking company.

Fees for truck driver training schools run about $1,400 for a CDL Class A Refresher Course.

The CDL Class A Training Program - Typically 160 Hours:

There are not very many trucking companies offering paid CDL training or company sponsored CDL training, but those that do offer the course charge anywhere from $3,900 - $5,000, sometimes more. You must sign an employment contract which can range from 8 months to one year.

Many companies will advertise that paid or company sponsored cdl training is 'free'. Don't be fooled, it is not free. "Assessing The True Cost of 'Free' CDL Training" is a good source of information on this subject.

There are many excellent private and public truck driver training schools across the U.S. that offer CDL Class A training. Costs can run between $3,500 to as much as $6,000, and sometimes more. Federal and state grants are sometimes available, or in-house financing may be an option.

I Have Good News For You ...
There Is A Much Better Option !

What if you could find an otr job without having to take a cdl refresher course or the full training course? What if there are companies that will hire you if you have only six months otr driving experience?

I have good news for you ... there are trucking companies that will hire you if you have only six consecutive months of otr driving experience within the past three years.

The problem often is in finding a company with which you can get hired, depending upon your individual circumstances, which is one important reason to use the services of an industry advisor like Trucking Careers of America. It's our job to know who these companies are ....

You may find that regional opportunities are available in certain areas. Company benefits take effect after 90 days. Both Rider and Pet Policies may be are offered. You may travel all states averaging 2,700 miles each week, with 98% no touch cargo. You may be able to drive solo or team. One company even guarantees that you will be home for Christmas !

In a sense you are starting again so expect your earnings in your first year to be around $35,000 - $40,000. You have been able to bypass re-training and are on the road again, building your mileage and experience with a good company, and have taken an important step in regaining your driving status.

Good luck and safe driving .... all the best -

What Is CSA 2010 And How It Affects Company Truck Drivers

2012-01-12T11:00:00.016-05:00

About CSA 2010 ...

The U. S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes CSA 2010 as:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles. It introduces a new enforcement and compliance model that allows FMCSA and its State Partners to contact a larger number of carriers earlier in order to address safety problems before crashes occur. Rolled out in December 2010, the program establishes a new nationwide system for making the roads safer for motor carriers and the public alike!

In the development of the CSA program, FMCSA sought to incorporate several key attributes.

FLEXIBILITY – Adapt to a Changing Environment. Accommodates changes to the transportation environment, such as evolutions in technology and changes in programmatic responsibilities.

EFFICIENCY – Maximize Use of Resources. Improves Federal and State enforcement staff productivity, as well as the safety performance of members of the motor carrier community.

EFFECTIVENESS – Improve Safety Performance. Identifies behaviors associated with safety risk; focuses compliance, enforcement, and remediation efforts on those unsafe behaviors.

INNOVATION – Leverage Data and Technology. Improves safety through the innovative use of technology to track and update safety performance data.

EQUITABILITY – Be Fair and Unbiased. Assesses and evaluates motor carrier safety and enforces Federal laws and safety regulations to ensure consistent treatment of similarly situated members of the motor carrier community.

While accountability in the trucking industry is something that has been needed for a long time, the implementation of CSA 2010 is also affecting company drivers. In other words, many drivers individual CSA and PSP (Pre-employment Screening Program) scores are being unfavorably impacted by the violations of the company for which they are driving. Here are some examples of company violations affecting company drivers:

faulty equipment
overweight loads
hours of service forced by a dispatcher

Today OTR truckers have to be very careful as this is an issue that can and will definitely affect a driver's future career opportunities. There are trucking companies that for one reason or another deliberately disregard certain regulations, including CSA 2010. And because CSA 2010 is relatively new, we are certain to hear more and more about the ramifications of this particular regulation.

One Driver's Story ....

Just a few days ago we spoke with a company driver who had been with a trucking company for more than (6) years. We'll call him 'Bill' .... Bill had a high CSA score because his company was forcing him to drive faulty equipment and he had several violations. He knew enough about the affects of CSA 2010 to realize that his company's violations were causing him a problem that would only get worse. He knew it was in his best interests to get a driving job with another company.

We were successful in finding him a good driving job with another company, but this process became somewhat of a learning experience as we discovered that different trucking companies view the CSA and PSP reports differently.

Some companies will look at a CSA and PSP score and immediately reject an applicant. Another company will not take the CSA and PSP scores as the final word and will research the driver's record further. In this case, that's what happened.

The first company declined this driver, the second company considered the reasons behind the scores and realized all violations were equipment related issues which were no fault of the driver.

In our blog post, OTR Recruiters Needed More Than Ever Before, we discussed many reasons why otr drivers should use the services of a skilled, qualified and credible recruiter. But none of those reasons included CSA 2010. And CSA 2010 promises to be an issue that many drivers will be forced to deal with.

I think it's important to point out that a recruiter will go to bat for a driver and encourage a prospective employer to look into violations more closely. In other words, as we like to say at Trucking Careers of America, "we work for you".

Good luck and good driving .....

A Banner Year for OTR Trucking Jobs

2012-01-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

The Trucking Industry Holds
Fast and Steady in These Economic Times

Trucker Transporting Pets

Of the multitude of industries out there, trucking is one of the few occupations that has survived the economic turmoil of these past few years. Many industries have not yet recovered, some will forever change out of necessity, and we have seen too many businesses going out of business across the U.S. All too often, as I am driving, I notice another local business in my home town that has closed its doors.

Unemployment has been a serious issue for the past several years, wages have remained low, there have been too many layoffs, and for many, it's been too difficult to remain optimistic and hopeful about their future.

But the trucking industry may be the exception. For the most part, the industry has held fast and steady throughout this turmoil. Right now, qualified otr drivers should have no trouble finding a job. At Trucking Careers of America, we have many, many otr driving jobs available.

Yes, some trucking companies closed, others laid off thousands of their drivers, some cut back on their hiring, and some stopped hiring altogether. Some trucking companies changed their business model and as an example, no longer hire or train student drivers.

We Are The Lucky Ones ....

But overall, the otr driver can consider themselves to be very lucky. And many of us in the trucking industry can feel very fortunate. There are jobs for drivers and drivers have a need for a recruiting firm like Trucking Careers. Although times may have been hard and many still have not recovered, to take a line from a song by singer/songwriter Rod MacDonald, "we are the lucky ones."

For the past few years, it's been mostly a trucking company controlled marketplace. But in my opinion, that's going to change. Companies are going to find themselves competing for drivers as the driver shortage gets larger, and the driver pool gets smaller.

With CSA 2010 and new and pending regulations which will cause many drivers to leave the industry and others to be disqualified for hire, those companies which are taking 3 or more weeks to complete their underwriting may find themselves somewhat out of the loop as times continue to get better. Especially since often a driver has applications submitted to multiple trucking companies simultaneously. (We don't recommend this but it is not uncommon).

On the other hand, it's prudent for otr drivers to avoid job hopping and/or excessive gaps in your employment history. Both of these are red flags to a company considering you for hire. Understand how your CSA score can impact your marketability and future career. If you are tempted to change companies back-to-back within a short period of time, talk to an industry specialist before you make a move.

OTR trucking jobs are plentiful and it's going to continue that way. There will be more jobs available for drivers: regional jobs, dedicated jobs, positions for local drivers, and yes, companies will once again be hiring students for training and driving jobs after graduation.

There will be even more of a need for recruiting agencies like Trucking Careers, which specialize in career consulting and job placement for CDL Class A drivers, and know the industry. Take advantage of their expertise and their services.

We predict that 2012 is going to be a very good year for the trucking industry; it will thrive and your CDL Class A license will bring you job security and financial stability.

What To Do When You Can't Get An OTR Driving Job

2012-01-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

What To Do When You Can't Get Hired Because
You Are Still Under An OTR Employment Contract
With Another Trucking Company

James S. McCormack
Trucking Careers of America

I came across a posting in a popular truck driver forum which caught my attention because it is not an uncommon problem. Because the forum is for drivers only, aimed at questions from new drivers and answers by experienced drivers, I couldn't post a reply. So, instead, I'm writing this article, which actually is better ....

The question came from a 'newbie' who said "I consider myself pretty educated about the industry despite the fact that I don't have a ton of experience, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this contract s..., and maybe someone wiser can provide some insight?"

It seems that he was under an 8 month contract and only fulfilled 4 months of that obligation. For health reasons he had to leave the company, but in actuality, he admits he probably would have left anyway as he wasn't happy with the company. Re-hired, he was scheduled to return several times and didn't follow through. The bottom line?

He now can't get hired as an otr driver by any other company because of the outstanding contract obligation. Additionally, he still owes the company $4,000 for training reimbursement.

"My question is how do I get another otr job now that xxxx is no longer an option. Everyone is telling me its impossible but I've known of former contract students who put their cdl to work for them. Just don't know how they did it. I don't have four grand to pay off the school money they fronted me but I'd hate to see my cdl and four months of otr experience go to waste. "

What Is The Reality ?

We've said this many times before, the most important thing a new driver can do for themselves is to get (1) year of otr driving experience, no matter what it takes. But sometimes life throws nasty curves at us. Because it's highly unlikely that any otr trucking company will hire this driver at the present time, it's time to work on Plan B.

Plan B may not be easy, but it is a plan of action and is doable. Here are some options:

find a driving job with a small local company
find a driving job with a mom & pop company
find a driving job driving a straight truck

The objective here is to:

get a driving job
get the tuition reimbursement paid through a personal arrangement
get at least (1) year of verifiable driving experience

There is no need to waste the time, effort and money it took to get the education and experience to this point. Plan B will require a slight detour, but ultimately, everything will right it self again, just give it some time. When the time is right, talk with an industry specialist in career planning and job placement for assistance in getting with a quality company.

Good luck and good driving ....

Choosing The Right CDL Class A Truck Driving School

2012-01-06T10:44:00.002-05:00

The Choice You Make Will Determine The
Quality Of Education You Receive
- and -The Amount Of Money You Spend
To Get That Education

Horror stories abound from drivers who have been led down the garden path by a truck driver training school. Like anything else, there is 'good, bad and ugly' and you have to know how to get through the bad and the ugly to find the good. We hope some of this information will help those who are considering a career as a professional otr driver, need to get their CDL Class A license, and really don't quite know where to start.

We almost always recommend going to a truck driving school because it's an advantage to get your CDL Class A license through a truck driving school over a company paid or sponsored CDL training program. A realistic school tuition can be as low as $3,000 and as high as $6,000. There are many advantages, but the biggest is that you don't have to sign an employment contract and have freedom of choice as to which company you would like to begin your driving career with upon graduation. That is, of course, conditional upon the industry climate at the time, who is hiring, who is not hiring. It changes and fluctuates frequently.

When funding your training is a problem, look into state and federal grants which may be available. One of those is the Post 9/11 GI Bill for veterans.

Funding aside, here are some guidelines to follow which may help you get started with your training and get you on the road in your new career as a professional otr truck driver.

Some schools are high profit businesses posing as a truck driver training school. If you encounter any of these areas shown below, a red flag should be waving in your face:

charges an inflated tuition and/or high interest rate on in-house financing
charges by the hour or by the day
does not do a proper background check to see if you qualify
accepts you knowing you have a criminal background
assures you of a job after graduation knowing you have a criminal background
promises 'quick' training that seems unrealistic in comparison to other schools
promises a quality education but has a reputation for not being up to industry standards
guarantees you a job but has no in-house job placement specialist

While it's obviously convenient to look for a training school nearby, if you can't find what you are looking for, consider a school that is out of your immediate area. There are many fine truck driver training schools across the U.S., and one way to locate a school is to check out the Truck Driving School Guide at Trucking Careers of America. Schools listed in this guide are accredited, reputable and highly regarded.

Expect to spend between three - five weeks at a training school; anything less should bring up that red flag. Anything more is probably not necessary and also may bring up that red flag.

This is the start of your new career and it's up to you to do your due diligence. Compare costs, talk to schools you are interested in, ask questions, and be thorough. Talk to other drivers and talk to industry specialists like Trucking Careers of America. Read blogs and get involved in forums. All of this sounds like a lot of work and it is but it just may be the start of something really big in your life. Good luck and all the best....

Trucking Industry News - TCA Highway Angel Music Video Premiere

2011-12-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Highway Angel Lyrics Applaud The Many
Professional Truck Drivers Who Help Motorists Each Day ....

Alexandria, Virginia - The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has an important job for each and every person reading this story: Help change the public's perception of trucking by watching Lindsay Lawler's brand new "Highway Angel" music video at youtube.com and forwarding the link to everyone you know.

Lawler, a country singer who has a strong following within the trucking community, wrote and recorded "Highway Angel" as a tribute to TCA's Highway Angel program. The lyrics applaud the many professional truck drivers who stop each day to help motorists in trouble on the highways.

"This song sends a strong, positive message about the good people of the trucking industry and deserves to be seen and shared by all of us. We hope everyone will share the link with their friends through Facebook and other social networking sites," said Gary Salisbury, TCA's chairman and the president and CEO of Fikes Truck Line, Inc., of Hope, Ark. "People are always asking me what they can do to change the image of trucking. This is something that is quick, easy to do, and doesn't cost anything. The more people who spread the link, the more 'buzz' we can generate to help boost our industry in the eyes of the general public."

According to Salisbury, TCA's goals are to spread the video's link virally to as many people as possible before the end of 2011 and have millions of views recorded by YouTube. It is hoped that the video's popularity will catch the notice of the country music recording industry and result in additional exposure for the song, Lindsay Lawler, and the entire trucking industry.

In conjunction with the YouTube post, TCA and Highway Angel program sponsor Internet Truckstop hosted a special launch reception for the new video December 8th in Nashville, Tenn. Representatives from the Great American Country network, MTV, and several other music industry entities were invited, and TCA members from in and around Nashville attended.

The video will be played for the 30,000 fans in attendance at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. MST at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. During the Bowl, TCA and Internet Truckstop will recognize Marcus Beam, a driver for Epes Transport System, Inc., as TCA's 2011 Highway Angel of the Year. Beam pulled a mother and two young children from an overturned car while others stood by, refusing to help.

"Beam's story is amazing, and I used many stories such as his to find inspiration to write this song. The video shows a situation similar to Beam's and I, the driver, am rescued by a Highway Angel," said Lawler. "This kind of stuff happens every day. Highway Angels are out there helping people who may be lost, stranded, injured, or even dying. I wanted to record a song for them, a song that truly portrays them as the Angels they are."

Source: Layover.com

How To Land The OTR Truck Driving Job You Want

2011-12-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

The Number One Reason Why You Should
Use An OTR Recruiter ...
Actually - There Are Two Reasons !

It's no secret that the trucking industry continually has a shortage of otr drivers across the U.S. There are many reasons for this: (1) new regulations making it harder for experienced drivers to remain in the business, (2) new regulations making it harder for owner-operators to make a living, (3) CSA 2010, (4) fewer companies offering CDL paid training. And that's really just the tip of the iceberg.....

All things considered, you'd think it's relatively easy for an experienced driver to find the otr job he or she wants and get hired quickly and easily. But it doesn't work that way .... unless you have an inside track and have lots of connections so that you know where the jobs are, it's a seek, search and maybe find process. And it can be very tedious work trying to sort, sift and determine which companies are hiring, what their hiring policies are, what they pay, and all the other factors that go into your decision.

There Are Several Ways You
Can Search For A Truck Driving Job

Go directly to a trucking company - one at a time - and work with a company recruiter.

I received a phone call several weeks ago from an otr driver with many years of experience. We discussed what he was looking for, and after asking him some questions and getting additional information about his objectives, I mentioned a trucking company that is among the elite of trucking companies across the U.S. This company was perfect for him.

Unfortunately, it turned out that he had placed an application directly with that company previously through a company recruiter. He kept calling the recruiter and leaving messages; the recruiter didn't return his calls. He asked if he could go through our company, and I had to tell him that we couldn't work with him as he had already gone direct and been assigned a company recruiter. All he could do was to keep calling the company recruiter ....

Now, I have nothing against company recruiters, but the reality is that company recruiters are company employees and as such:

they do not work for you.
they are on a base salary and are not typically performance motivated.
they can only disclose what they are allowed to disclose - no more, no less.
what is often omitted might have made the difference as to whether or not you would want to go to work with that company.
they have no special interest in your future career decisions or objectives.

Submit your application online through a site that advertises sending your application to 100 companies or more at one time.

This sounds like a great idea in theory, but in actuality, submitting your application to 100 (or more) companies is like 'throwing it against the wall to see what sticks':

there may be companies to which you don't want to submit your application.
your application should be tailored for the company to which you are submitting it.
if you don't know a company's underwriting guidelines and hiring policy, how do you know if you are eligible for hire?
if you don't take the time to research all of them beforehand, how do you know whether or not you want to work for a particular company?
why would you want to do all that work anyway if you can go right to someone else who would do it for you?

Two Major Reasons You Should

Use The Services Of An OTR Recruiter

Actually, there are many reasons why using the services of an otr recruiter puts you at an advantage, but let's condense it and stick with two:

we work for you and work with you one-on-one
we do all the work

Simple, isn't it? You are a client, not just another driver looking for a job. A good otr recruiter wants to know what you are looking for and will find you the right job with the right company that matches your objectives, your background, your experience, your skills.

So, how can we get the results you want? That's a really good question and we have a really good answer...

Modern Technology Is A Wonderful Thing ...

Tell Us What You Are Looking For ....

And We Will Find It !

Thanks to modern technology and a few other key factors, Trucking Careers of America uses an in-depth and sophisticated proprietary system that allows us to 'drill down' using many different criteria, and determine what a trucking company's rating is and what they offer to their drivers. Whether you are looking for a regional job, a dedicated job, a local driving job, or an otr job, we can determine hiring guidelines, pay scale, equipment, job openings, hiring regions, and just about anything else that factors in.

I mention that this is a proprietary system because it is .... it's a one-of-a-kind extensive research system that is continually updated and took years to develop. And it works wonders .... we've recently introduced this system to many of our clients with excellent results.

So, as a professional otr truck driver, the next time you are looking for your next OTR truck driving job, consider using the services of a professional otr recruiter.

Truckers for Troops: What are Designated Combat Zones?

2011-12-08T09:29:00.001-05:00

By Land Line staff

OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops campaign has resulted in thousands of care packages sent to U.S. troops in the nation’s “Designated Combat Zones.”

While most of those packages have been sent to troops deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Arabian Peninsula) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), troops are stationed in a number of places worldwide that are considered “combat zones.”

The Truckers for Troops campaign sends care packages packed with essentials – such as socks and personal hygiene products – and fun items to the combat zones not only to assist in providing items troops may be in need of, but to also provide moments of levity.

With the publicized U.S. pullout from Iraq, many callers have wondered where packages may go in the future.

Combat zones are designated by an executive order from the president as areas in which the U.S. Armed Forces are engaging or have engaged in combat. There are currently three such combat zones, including the airspace above each.

Click here to read the complete article ....

OOIDA's Truckers for Troops begins Dec. 5

2011-11-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

Source: LandLineMag.com

James S. McCormack
Trucking Careers of America

At OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley, MO, staff members are counting down the days until the fifth annual Truckers for Troops campaign, scheduled for Dec. 5-9.

During Truckers for Troops week, "a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA's Land Line Now satellite radio show on Sirius XM," says Mark Reddig, the show's host. "We are less than two weeks away."

The whole campaign is one of the Association's favorite events. The effort raises money to pack and send care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reddig says the Association reports that 737 boxes were sent in the 2010 effort and it's the goal of this year's effort to exceed that number.

To raise money to fund the care boxes, OOIDA and its members join together in a December campaign that begins Monday, Dec.5. The campaign is already off to a headstart with a $5,000 contribution from Shell Rotella. This is the second year Shell has been on board with a generous cash donation.

Sylvia Dodson, supervisor of OOIDA's Membership Department, says that during the week of the campaign, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their membership for $25, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages for U.S. troops stationed in combat areas overseas.

"OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar," says Dodson.

OOIDA staff and volunteers fill the packages with things like snacks, socks, foot powder, body soap, books, magazines, pens, envelopes, games, Frisbees, silly string, caps, undershirts and other items. The boxes are packaged and sent from OOIDA's Grain Valley, MO., headquarters.

Watch for more info on our websites, social media sites, satellite radio show and in the next issue of Land Line.

OTR Recruiters Needed More Than Ever Before

2011-11-10T11:30:00.001-05:00

More Than Ever Before
There Is A Need For OTR Recruiters

In recent years, there have been many changes in the otr trucking industry. Underwriting has gotten tighter, companies are increasingly using a driver's DAC Report as a critical hiring barometer, CSA 2010 has entered the picture, and numerous current and pending regulations are affecting many areas of the otr driver's profession. It's become somewhat of a jungle out there ....

Courtesy of Copyblogger

But quietly residing in the jungle are the independent otr recruiters, professionals who have an extensive knowledge of the industry and are in tune with the current climate and trends. We are otr headhunters who are often 'under the radar', with a big percentage of our business coming from referrals from other otr drivers. And it's become very apparent that now, more than ever before, there is a serious need for otr headhunters.

Let A Professional Do The Work For You

I recently read a thread in a trucker's forum which went something like this: a driver posted that he was specifically looking for an otr headhunter to help him find a job. Driver two replied by basically slamming the concept, saying that driver one could do all this work himself by researching the Internet, and using email and a phone. Driver one immediately countered with why should he have to take all this time and make all this effort when there are professionals out there that could do it for him, more efficiently and with better results. He added that he had other equally important things to do and he felt there were better ways to manage his time and go about the business of a job search.

And you know what, he's absolutely right !

OTR Headhunters Work One-On-One

Independent recruiters, such as Trucking Careers of America, do not work for any trucking company. We may represent several companies or numerous companies, but all have been carefully selected. One thing is certain: we work for you, and we work one-on-one with you, to help you find the job you are looking for. We are performance motivated and charge no fees for our services.

In our case, thanks to modern technology and a sophisticated custom developed program that took years to develop, we can offer an otr driver the best way to conduct an otr job search. And this is exciting news ... but more on that in a moment, so stay with us.

But if you really want to jump ahead, scroll down to the caption 'Tell Us What You Are Looking For And We'll Find It ...'

The OTR Headhunter Is The Best Choice
It's A No Brainer ....

When you take a closer look at the benefits of using an OTR headhunter, it becomes very clear that this is the better choice because professional OTR headhunters:

are well informed and in tune with the industry
are career advisors and job placement specialists
are performance motivated getting paid only when you go to hire
work for you focusing on finding you the job that meets your objectives
want to establish a long-term relationship with you for your future needs

**************************

Tell Us What You Are Looking For
And We'll Find It ...
Eliminating 'The Good And The Ugly'

The obvious question now is: how can an independent otr recruiter stay on top of the thousands of trucking companies out there and know everything there is to know that will help an otr driver make the right decision?

That's a really good question and we have a really good answer ...

We often refer to 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of the industry. It's taken many years to develop and fine-tune a sophisticated research system as extensive as ours; one that meets our strict criteria. Continually updated, our system allows us to do an extensive search for quality trucking companies offering positions based on your criteria and what you are looking for.

We then customize and refine additional job searches until finally generating a profile that marries the otr driving job you want with a quality trucking company looking for your particular objectives, experience, background and skills. Working on-on-one with you we will refine your job search to produce the results you need.

We have a built-in rating system that allows us to separate 'the bad and the ugly' from 'the good' in the industry. And that's a HUGE advantage in itself....

The lesson here is to contact a headhunter FIRST. When you are looking for something as important as your next job, doesn't it make sense to work one-on-one with a professional recruiter who works for you?

Trucks And Americans Everywhere - Let's Think Outside The Box !

2011-11-07T14:00:00.022-05:00

Christmas 2011 - The Birth Of A New Tradition

James S. McCormack
Trucking Careers of America

In early August, we posted "Did You See Diane Sawyer's Special Report?", an article about Diane Sawyer's "Made In America" on-going campaign which shows positive results in dollars and cents that could take place in our economy and affect our U.S. unemployment crisis if Americans bought products that were made in America.

In this article we hope to convince many Americans to 'think outside the box'. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Give The Gift Of Genuine Concerns For Other Americans

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different .... this year Americans will give the gift of genuine concerns for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is !

Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? I know I would .... small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the dollars on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

Support Your Home Town Americans .....

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants - all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember folks, this isn't about big National chains - this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lies on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day or more.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Make This Christmas About Helping
Small American Businesses To Stay In Business

Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about the U.S., encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

Make This Your New Christmas Tradition

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list - post it to discussion groups - throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city. Send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.

Make this year the start of a revolution of expressing our caring and concern for each other and our American heritage. Sharing and caring ..... isn't that what Christmas is really about?

Author Unknown

Justice For Truckers With The Truckers Justice Center

2011-11-04T10:00:00.002-04:00

Trucking Employment Law Attorney Paul Taylor

Helps Truckers Across The Nation With
Trucking Employment Issues

At the recent Truck Driver Social Media Convention in Tunica, MS, attorney Paul Taylor, who specializes in trucking employment law, was one of the guest speakers, along with myself, Richard Wilson, Eddie Gichuhi and Landon Middleton.

Because there is an obvious need for someone like Paul Taylor, we are featuring him in this article, along with information about how to contact him. I have no doubt that there are many truckers out there who could benefit from Paul's services. So in this article, we are telling you more about his services and how he can help you get results if you've had problems in any area of trucking employment, including:

Refusal To Drive
Commercial Truck Lease Disputes
Drug & Alcohol Testing
DAC Reports

Paul helps workers in any industry who have been victims of wrongful termination and who have suffered at the hands of an unethical company, but he has a special focus on the trucking industry.

He comes from a trucking family, and knows the business. In fact, he is the third generation of a trucking family and knows well the problems truckers are facing. Paul helps truckers get results with whistleblower cases, inaccurate DAC reports or drug and alcohol reports, commercial truck lease disputes, or wage disputes.

The day after the Convention, he was leaving early in the morning to fly to St. Louis, MO., where he was going to trial-assumedly on behalf of a trucker as he takes on cases nationwide.

The Truckers Justice Center at Taylor & Associates focuses its legal practice on employment law for commercial truck drivers across the nation, including such trucking hubs as Nashville, TN; Chicago, IL; Memphis, TN; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH, and Dallas, TX. His website says they help truckers across the nation, from major transport hubs to the smallest highway truck stop in the middle of Middle America.

Paul is someone you want on your side; he is aggressive and straight forward and very well informed about trucking employment law. He's humorous and doesn't pull any punches. He's a very likable, smart and capable guy. Some attorneys aren't too likable, but Paul is. He's had many years of experience and he'll tell you right up front if you have a case or not.

He offers a free initial consultation, and takes cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless you recover.

I remember well something he said to all the truckers at the Convention: "when you are on the road, carry a tape recorder and a camera with you at all times." And to add to that comment, let's just say that today's regulations and industry climate justify that position.

Paul's contact information:

Truckers Justice Center
900 West 128th Street, Suite 104
Burnsville, MN 55337
Ph: (651) 454-5800
Fax: (888) 763-8395

Understanding Your DAC Report

2011-11-03T12:01:00.011-04:00

For The Professional CDL Driver

The DAC Report Can Be Equally As Important To

Your Career And Financial Future As Your Personal

Consumer Credit Report ...

Some of the information in this report was taken from The DAC Report by Allen Smith of AskTheTrucker.com.

Many professional CDL drivers have been a victim of what many drivers consider to be "the notorious DAC Report". And you might ask, what does DAC stand for? In the trucking industry, DAC stands for Drive-A-Check.

For the professional CDL driver, the DAC Report can be equally as important to your career and financial future as your personal consumer credit report.

What is the DAC Report?

So, exactly what is the DAC Report and why is it so important? Good question and you should know what it is all about as it contains:

a detailed summary of a driver's work history
reasons for leaving the job
information about accidents
information about the type of truck and trailer you operated
information about the type of driving you did for an employer
whether or not you are eligible for rehire
your social security number, your D/L number, if you applied for worker's compensation
information about any criminal reports

The Hiring Policy Of Many Trucking Companies
Rely Heavily On The DAC Report

All too often the information contained in a driver's DAC report prohibits a driver from being rehired by the same company, or being hired by another company. When considering a driver for employment, many companies place a very high value on the driver's DAC report.

Many of the smaller trucking companies do not rely on your DAC Report, but rather on other information coupled with a personal interview, either by phone or in person. In 'Sometimes Less Is Indeed More', the differences are pointed out between larger and smaller companies, and one of those is the employer's use of the DAC Report.

Even though the governing agency of DAC Reports is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it is widely known by drivers that trucking companies abuse this tool by reporting unfair and unjust information about their drivers, which can end up ruining a trucker's career. Once an item has been placed on a DAC Report, it almost takes an act of Congress to have it removed. In fact, as many drivers have learned, it is nearly impossible. Unfair? Yes. Unjust? Absolutely.

In an upcoming article we will be discussing how many otr drivers have turned to Trucking Employment Law attorneys for assistance and have had great success getting their DAC Report (and other issues) turned around. So, stay tuned .....

The DAC Report consists of (2) parts:

Your MVR Report from your home state
Your work history

The company overseeing this report is:

USIS Commercial Services Division

4500 South 129th East Avenue, Suite #200

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74134-5885

(800) 381-0645

Subject to the FACT Act file disclosure, a driver is entitled to receive a free copy of their DAC report once every twelve months. You can receive additional copies, but at a cost of $9.50 (or more) each.

To receive a copy of your DAC Report you must do so through a written request, and include a copy of your social security card and driver's license. It normally takes 10 days to two weeks to receive the report. If your report does contain fraudulent information, you must follow the instructions for dispute resolution. Also, keep in mind that if the information is accurate, and you are successful in having the item(s) removed from your DAC report, you are still required to report the information to potential employers.

The DAC Report will normally keep the information on the report for 10 years. After seven years, items such as accidents, rehire eligibility and work history will be removed. Also, if the company closes down, these items are supposed to be removed automatically.

Filing A DAC Report Dispute Online

Contacting the trucking company and requesting that the items be removed through normal procedures usually will not work. This type of request is typically ignored by the trucking company. As we've previously stated, it is nearly impossible to get items removed from your DAC Report, but it can be done by going through the proper channels. And if all else fails, you can contact a transportation attorney and have them handle the situation, but this can be very costly.

In "How To File A DAC Report Dispute Online" contact information is provided about how and where you can dispute something on your DAC report online.

The best way to keep your DAC Report clean is to:

ALWAYS leave a company on good terms
ALWAYS give at least two weeks notice
ALWAYS return the equipment to the right place, clean and in good order

NEVER, NEVER assume it's okay to just call the company and let them know where you are dropping the equipment off - they may place an "abandonment of equipment" on your DAC Report and this would probably stand in the way of your getting another job with another trucking company.

By operating at a professional level, and giving the company NO EXCUSES for improper reporting, your DAC Report will not come back to haunt you.

How To File A DAC Report Dispute Online

2011-11-02T16:00:00.004-04:00

Getting Incorrect Information Removed
From Your DAC Report

We've talked before about the DAC Report, how it can affect you both in the short-term and the long run, and the importance of understanding your DAC Report. There are several companies online that, for a small fee, will work with you to get inaccurate and erroneous information removed from your DAC.

HireRight DAC Trucking

But there is another alternative: The DAC Report Services, known as HireRight, now allows drivers to file disputes online.

To request a copy of your DAC Report or to file a dispute,
start here for an overview:
http://hireright.com/Consumers-Applicants.aspx

To request a copy of your DAC Report online:
online DAC Report Request

To file a dispute online:
Report DAC Report Dispute

HireRight provides background screening and solutions for transportation organizations, as well as many other businesses and industries. Based on information from their website, HireRight will conduct an investigation, free of charge, if you believe information in your report is incomplete or inaccurate.

Before filing a dispute, you need to have your DAC Report in your possession, a report that is no older than 60 days (in order to help ensure that you are disputing information currently maintained by HireRight). The dispute reinvestigation process can take up to 30 days.

Getting false or inaccurate information removed from your DAC Report is one of those areas that falls under "managing your CDL career." If there is something negative on your DAC you need to know about it and know how to go about getting that information removed.

In 'When Your DAC Report Does Not Show Employment History', we mentioned that not all trucking companies rely on a trucker's DAC Report as the final word, but many do use the DAC Report as their primary barometer.

In fact, smaller companies often prefer to hire experienced drivers based on a personal phone interview coupled with various types of documents verifying previous employment, etc. Many of the smaller companies, who by the way are excellent companies to work for, review the DAC but do not make their final decision based on its contents.

As recruiters and career planners for otr truckers, drivers often relay information to us about their negative experiences with DAC Reports, and how it has affected them. All too often we find that the driver has been treated very unfairly and unjustly by a former trucking company employer:

"... My DAC Report said that I abandoned a truck, but that was completely untrue. I left the truck at the terminal that I picked it up from when I first started working for them. But this is still on my record and has caused me problems."

"... I have been out of work for more than six months because of two false reports from trucking companies I have worked for. And to add insult to injury, one of them has gone as far as to stop my ability to draw unemployment."

When you are planning on leaving your current employment and will be looking for another job, take the time to request a copy of your DAC Report, and if necessary, get it corrected. Don't wait until it causes you a problem. It could cost you the perfect job you have been looking for ....

If you prefer to submit your request by telephone, fax or regular mail, or if you require additional assistance, please contact HireRight Customer Service at:

HireRight Customer Service

Telephone: (800) 381-0645 (Monday -Friday, 7am to 7pm Central Time)
Fax: (918) 664-5520
Address: HireRight, Attn: Consumers Department, P.O. Box 33181, Tulsa, OK

OTR Truckers Reaching Lawmakers Through Social Media

2011-10-20T11:02:00.009-04:00

The Power of Social Media

For OTR Drivers and Lawmakers

Facebook

It used to be somewhat complicated and time consuming to try and communicate with lawmakers. It's all well and good to encourage people to "voice your opinions and be heard" but in reality, it was a bit of a hassle. The best way to communicate was and probably always will be through the written word. But how many people have the time to sit down and craft a polished letter, and then, how can you be sure it will be read?

Twitter

Truckers who are concerned about current and pending trucking industry regulations should make it a priority to communicate with elected officials frequently. It's critical to your livelihood that you be vigilant, constantly informed, and involved in what is going on at the federal, state and local levels of government. You need to be informed of everything and anything that affects otr drivers nationwide.

There has never been a better and more convenient way for truckers to stay on top of regulations and very importantly, allow you to voice your opinions, ideas and thoughts. In short, now there are much better ways for you TO BE HEARD:

Be A Team Member With
OOIDA's Call To Action .....

OOIDA is helping truckers by making communication more manageable and to getting the word out on important trucking industry legislative issues. Through the Internet, email and satellite radio, OOIDA can relay information quickly to truckers about important issues. OOIDA taps its vast e-directory frequently for instant Call to Action blasts.

OOIDA's Call to Action Team is on the pulse of hot issues being discussed in Washington, DC, in state legislatures, and in communities across the country. To sign up as a Team Member with OOIDA Calls to Action, contact Angel Burnell at (800) 44-5791, ext 1600, or email angel_burnell@ooida.com. Team members with email will receive the most current updates on critical issues.

More And More Government Officials Are
Using Social Media To Get Their Message Out ....

It has never been easier for truckers to let their lawmakers know about which issues you are concerned. More and more federal, state and local officials are using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with their voters and constituents.

In fact, congressional lawmakers make a point of communicating via social media. To access a list compiled by Land Line of federal lawmakers on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, click here.

About 70 percent of governors have caught the social media wave and are using YouTube to get their messages out by video. More than half of all governors use Flickr., and 49 or 50 governors are communicating via Facebook or Twitter, with the exception of Wyoming. You can check this out for yourself by clicking here.

Both two big political parties are aggressively using social media, with Republicans and Democrats in all 50 states using Facebook and Twitter. Interestingly, every state (with the exception of Louisiana), has multiple pages on both social media sites. Approximately 12 states have at least 6 or more unique pages on each social media site, such as the Iowa House Democrats and Tennessee Senate Republicans.

So, if you are an otr trucker with concerns about what is going on within the trucking industry, there is nothing standing in your way of you letting government officials know your position. Be proactive, these are exciting times and what you have to say matters. Follow through on doing your part, encourage other truckers to do the same, and let your voice be heard ..... you can make a difference ! Ask yourself, what can I do today to make a difference?

Proud To Be A Trucker .....

2011-10-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

Truck Drivers Take Their Profession Seriously

The Professional Trucker

The general public's perception of the typical otr trucker conjures up a vision of someone dressed in jeans with holes in the knees, t-shirt with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in the cuff, a scraggly 3-day growth on his face, someone who spits in public, curses in public and does other unattractive things in public. They are perceived as uneducated, ill-spoken and without much of a vocabulary, and often look beaten up, worn out and tired.

And to be honest, they often are worn out and tired. But the majority don't fit the image I just outlined above and many of today's truckers are women. They are very well spoken, mannerly, personable, and often college educated. They are dedicated, friendly and helpful individuals. They are hard-working people who miss their family and are often on the road for three weeks at a time. They are respectful, law-abiding citizens who take their job and their profession seriously.

Unfortunately, truckers are often unappreciated, and their job is looked down upon - but in reality, they are the backbone of our economy, delivering goods to all of us in cities across the U.S., and making our lives easier. I can't imagine how our lives would change if trucking came to a halt.

Many years ago, 1986 to be exact, I was working in Memphis, Tn. While on a highway, I witnessed an accident that looked really horrible. It occurred on the other side of the embankment so I couldn't get there as I was going the opposite way. The very first vehicle to stop and help was an otr trucker driving a truck for J. B. Hunt, which had a major terminal in Memphis. He could have cruised right on by, staying on schedule and making his delivery on time, but instead, he chose to stop and help someone desperately in need. I've seen that scenario several times over the years. That is the American over the road trucker.

The American Trucker - An Honorable Profession

The American truck driver is frequently 1,500 miles or more away from home and family, dealing with traffic, weather, and load schedules. They often have job related health problems, suffer from lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, and worried about violating regulations often forced upon them by their employer. They have to pass DOT, and maintaining an accurate logbook which is subject to review by various officials at almost any given time. They are faced with road congestion and road construction which can cause delivery schedule problems. And on top of all of this, let's not forget road rage exhibited by the general public towards truckers.

Truckers are faced with anti-idling laws, disrespect from shippers, receivers and law enforcement. They are subject to forced dispatch, poor miles, financial worries, and sometimes a $300 pay check for the week. They are subject to unsafe parking areas, lack of parking areas, crime, truck stop beggars, racism, 14 hour plus work days and more regulations and incorrect DAC reports.

These are just some of the work related issues. Let's add the personal sacrifices: missed first steps, missed birthdays, proms, first dates, ball games, school plays, first tooth and first words, anniversaries and holidays. This is not an easy life ....

So, let's try and set things straight. Most of the general public, dispatchers and general trucking company employees, if forced into an 18-wheeler to live the life of a professional trucker, would wimper like a lost puppy, begging to come back home. They don't stop to think that almost everything that is available to them is there because a truck driver made certain that it was.

Truck drivers keep America moving and provide us non-truckers with the comforts of life that we have come to expect and take for granted. As a professional truck driver, you are the backbone of this country, maybe more than you and the general public realizes.

Truckers Are Crucial ... And Needed

Truckers are valuable ... they are important ... they are skilled ... they are intelligent ... they are significant ... they are crucial ... they are needed. And they deserve to be respected for the contributions they make to America.

Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran driver, remind yourself that while you sometimes may feel that truck driving is an unappreciated job, yours is an honorable profession. You've gone through extensive training and hard work to get where you are. You've had to pass many tests; physical, written, driving and skills. You've learned the skills of driving, navigating and maneuvering a big rig. You've learned the regulations of the industry, and how to maintain accurate records that will pass inspection. You've learned what life is like on the road for long periods of time being away from your family. You've learned a trade, and although others may say differently, you are highly skilled. You've made a career of long haul driving, and you are now included among an elite group making a living in an honorable profession.

The First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention A Success !

2011-10-18T14:00:00.001-04:00

The First Truckers Social Media Event
Draws An Attendance of 178

The most common statement made during the First Annual Truck Drivers Social Media Event was "the industry has needed this for a long time."

Held at the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, this past weekend, the one-day event had something for everyone. Speakers Paul Taylor, trucking employment law attorney, and Rich Wilson, Regulatory and Compliance, speaking on driver legal issues and regulatory issues, respectively, imparted a great deal of helpful information for truckers. Rich spoke at length about pending and current regulations, issues about which many drivers voiced considerable concern. His presentation included details about how truckers can contact their government representatives, follow the status of pending regulations, and most importantly, how their voices can be heard.

Eddie Gichuhi, founder of Trip Sheet Central, discussed how he has developed a proven framework that truck business owners can use to manage their business, and grow in strength and profit.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

James S. McCormack,
Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

I had the honor of talking about today's trucking industry climate and how it affects the careers of drivers at all levels. Drivers must take it upon themselves to be informed and to know how to protect themselves against unscrupulous cdl training schools, cdl company paid programs and trucking companies in general. Like any industry, there is good, bad and ugly ... through diligent research and professional advice, drivers can recognize and avoid 'the bad and the ugly'.

The Convention was well received among drivers, driver supporters, sponsors, and guests. This first annual event met and exceeded all expectations, with a final count of 178. Many drivers began posting on Twitter the day of the Convention, sharing their experiences at this first annual convention, the objective of which was to unite, honor, inform, network, socialize, and give voice to the professional trucker.

Many friends were made, others were strengthened, and there was a lot of idea-sharing and networking among everyone. Of interest to just about everyone attending was learning more about the power of social media and knowing how to use social media to further the cause of the American trucker, beyond getting online and chatting with friends. This topic was covered very well by Landon Middleton, expert on social media.

I have to mention that the casino itself was beautiful, high energy and busy. I came in from the Atlanta area, a drive of almost 7 hours to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere. But it was absolutely worth the drive.....

The meeting room was filled with high energy, the meals were excellent and hotel service superb.

The evening concluded with some of the best entertainment around as Tony Justice and his Nashville band cranked out hit after hit. John DiBattista also opened up during dinner with a more mellow side, ending his set with his rendition of "Say A Prayer For Jason" from the Big Rigs music CD.

There is so much more than can be said about this first convention, such as the expensive and highly sought after gifts awarded to drivers. A special award was given to Hope Jhlivenburg, widow of Jason Jhlivenburg, whose death has inspired many to fight for Jason's Law legislation. And there was so much more .....

Plans are being made for next year's event which many are already looking forward to. Sponsors are making a commitment to the 2012 convention. Details for the 2012 Convention will be announced in June and will be available at the Truck Driver Social Media Convention website.

Technorati Claim Number

2011-10-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

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Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Say NO!

2011-10-05T22:30:00.001-04:00

Just Say No

by Sandy Long

OTR Truck Driver

Truck drivers are some of the most dedicated workers in the world, they know the importance of the job they do. They take pride in a job well done and making that delivery on time. Companies have figured this out about drivers and use all sorts of psychological tricks to take advantage of the driver. Drivers fall for it all of the time too, over and over. I am guilty of falling for it also.

How many times have you overheard a tired driver with blood shot eyes say, "Man, I am so tired, but dispatch said the load is hot, so I gotta go." Doesn't matter if there is two foot of snow on the ground or ice an inch thick, there is always some driver that 'just has to get going.'

Several years ago, I ran across Utah with a driver who had his wife and little girl on his truck with him. You know how it is, when you see a ittle kid in the jump seat, you just have to say, "Hey, that sure is a cute co-driver ya got there." When i asked if the ittle girl was enjoying her vacation on the truck with dad, he told me that she was never off the truck, as a matter of fact had been born in the truck five years prior in the sleeper, backed into a receiver's dock and how he had gone and loaded before taking mother and baby to the hospital to be checked out! When I voiced my surprise at this, he simply said, "Dispatch said the load HAD to get picked up right away."

When working for a small company, the A/C went out in the truck one very hot and muggy July in Ohio. I called the boss and told him of the problem, he stated that he just couldn't afford to have it fixed on the road, so would I bring it on into the yard in Missouri. 800 miles. Of course, being the good company driver I am, and wanting to help the boss save money, I agreed. Made it in, but I was one sick driver believe me. I made the boss get me a motel at a Ramada Inn no less so I could rehydrate and cool down while the repairs were made.

There are regulations to protect a driver against a company pushing them beyond safe limits:

392.6 Schedules to conform with speed limits.

No motor carrier shall schedule a run nor permit nor require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle between points in such period of time as would necessitate the commercial motor vehicle being operated at speeds greater than those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.3 Ill or fatigued operator.

No driver shall operate a motor vehicle, and a commercial motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver's ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle. However, in a case of grave emergency where the hazard to occupants of the commercial motor vehicle or other users of the highway would be increased by compliance with this section, the driver may continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle to the nearest place at which that hazard is removed.

[35 FR 7800, May 21, 1970, as amended at 60FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.14 Hazardous conditions; extreme caution.

Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist. If conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and shall not be resumed until the commercial motor vehicle can be safely operated. Whenever compliance with the foregoing provisions of this rule increases hazard to passengers, the commercial motor vehicle may be operated to the nearest point at which the safety of passengers is assured.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38747, July 28, 1995].

We all know the HOS regulations and those too can be used to protect one's self from being pushed too far.

No load is worth your life or jeopardizing the equipment. No one in your company is going to give you a medal for going that extra mile to make impossible deliveries or get through that bad weather. If you wreck and are over hours, or have gone over too bad of roads, you will most likely get fired anyway, no matter that dispatch told you how "hot the load was" or "you have the hours to make it" even though you have been up for hours waiting to load. Part of being a professional driver is knowing when to say 'NO' and protecting yourself, the truck and the load.

OTR Truckers Have Chance for National Exposure at First Annual Truck Driver Convention

2011-10-04T13:00:00.001-04:00

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

To Be Recorded and Covered by
BusinessWeek Magazine * Truckers News
Overdrive Magazine & More !

Allen & Donna Smith
First Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention

A huge opportunity for all those within the trucking industry is taking place on October 15th in Tunica, MS, 25 miles from Memphis, TN.

Drivers and their supporters are uniting to share their stories, experiences, opinions, and their voices.

There has never been so many truck driver advocates, speakers, and supporters gathered together in one place before.

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention:

People who are helping one another !
People supporting drivers and students !
People discussing the trial within the trucking industry and their SOLUTIONS
People standing up and desiring to be heard !

SPEAKERS:

Paul Taylor - Trucking Employment Law
Rich Wilson - Compliance and Regulations Specialist
Eddie Gichuhi - Owner Operator Business Management
James McCormack - CDL Training and Jobs Career Finder
Landon Middleton - The Power of Social Media

After the presentations, there will be an open forum for all those who have questions or statements. They may present them to the audience and panel.

The entire event will be recorded and will be covered by BusinessWeek Magazine, Truckers News, and Overdrive Magazine (as well as a National Newspaper which hasn't been disclosed).

Drivers finally will have the chance for national exposure to share your concerns with the general public.

There are 2 days left to RSVP to this event.

Unite ... Be honored ... Be heard ! Be a part of history. Have a wonderful time networking and enjoying yourself too !

All meals are included as well as live entertainment in the evening. Gift and cash prize drawings, and award presentations. A full day and evening beginning at 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, October 15th, at the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino.

Please read this article by another truck driver advocate, Sandy Long. It will make you realize how important this event is to you and others within the industry.

We look forward to meeting you there ... in 12 days !

Sometimes Less Is Indeed More...

2011-10-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

Bigger is not always better ... sometimes a smaller trucking company is a better option over a bigger, more well known trucking company. There are many trucking companies out thre that in comparison are smaller by nature - and prefer to remain that way. They may be family owned, or run by a sole proprietor. They stand apart from the mainstream. They have their own way of operating, have their own set of hiring standards and can afford to be selective. Many do not use the DAC Report of a potential driver as the last word, but rely more on their personal interview and interaction with that applicant before making a final decision. QM83E7BBZ7GN

These companies generally have much less turn over, know all of their otr drivers', many by their first names, pay well, offer more home-time, and more miles. Some offer select regional opportunies. Some run in 48 states, with minimal runs in New York.

Some even offer a pet policy and rider policy and other perks.

But where are they and how does a driver learn more about these companies?

Tell me more ...

One of the problems is that these companies keep a relatively low profile .... they don't spend a lot of money on advertising or marketing - they don't need to. They hire a few select recruiters and that's all they need. They interview potential drivers personally by phone and are looking for a specific type of candidate, one who will fit in with their company and appreciate the opportunity. Unlike many of the larger and more well-known trucking companies, these smaller companies are not interested in driver turn over.

Working with a smaller trucking company is a great opportunity. This is a case where bigger is not always better, less is more, and so on .....

Trucking Careers of America prides itself in directing otr drivers to select, reputable trucking companies, including some of these smaller, less-known-but-better companies.

If you are an experienced otr driver with at least one year (12 months) of otr truck driving, and you are looking for a different company, consider this .... Sometimes Less Is indeed More....especially in the trucking industry.

All the best......

James S. McCormack

Trucking Careers of America

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The First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention A Success !

Technorati Claim Number

Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Say NO!

OTR Truckers Have Chance for National Exposure at First Annual Truck Driver Convention

Sometimes Less Is Indeed More...

The Choice You Make Will Determine The
Quality Of Education You Receive
- and -The Amount Of Money You Spend
To Get That Education